#WrestleNice

WATCH: Henri Deglane Grand Prix

By United World Wrestling Press

NICE, France (January 19) -- The prestigious Henri Delgane Grand Prix begins Friday in Nice, France.

The tournament will open the wrestling season with France hosting the tournament in January as tradition. Last year, it was postponed to December due to COVID-19.

The competition will open with women's wrestling on Friday followed by freestyle on Saturday and end with Greco-Roman on the final day.

Tokyo Olympic champion Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) leads a strong Ukraine Greco-Roman team which also include world bronze medalist Andrii KULYK (UKR) and U20 world champ Mykhalio VYSHNVETSKYI (UKR).

Women's wrestling will see teams from France, the USA, Canada, Poland and Germany among others. Similar countries will be in freestyle with the USA sending a strong group.

The Henri Deglane Grand Prix can be watched here

Click here to view the full list of athletes competing in France.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

Five-time Olympic champ Lopez named UWW Ambassador

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 13) -- United World Wrestling has named Mijain LOPEZ (CUB), five-time Olympic gold medalist, as UWW ambassador.

Lopez, first athlete to win five Olympic gold medals in the same event, will be representing United World Wrestling (UWW) globally as an ambassador of the sport. This includes engaging in international relations, attending official events and championships, delivering masterclasses, and more.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role as a UWW Ambassador and share my passion for wrestling across the globe," Lopez said. "I’m committed to giving back and inspiring future generations.

"My son has taken up wrestling and is following in my footsteps, so it feels only natural to embrace this role and contribute on a broader level. I’m also actively involved in supporting the training of the Cuban national team as I transition into this new chapter."

Lopez will also serve as an advisor to the UWW President and Bureau, offering strategic input on the future of wrestling and supporting various development projects.

Recently, Lopez attended the International Olympic Committee Athlete Forum in Lausanne organized by the IOC and spent two days at the UWW Headquarters along with UWW Athletes Commission Chair Arsen JULFALAKYAN (ARG).